User:Shehzad Afzal

Shehzad Afzal is a Dundonian multi-arts practitioner, notable for his contributions to the creative arts industry in the UK and internationally.

He was selected for the world's first think tank on video game narrative at IC-CAVE, Abertay University, 2004, during which he took part in the research development programme, creating new concepts, breaking out from the norms of traditional gameplay concepts prevailent at the time in the video gaming industry.

Shehzad is also notable for his contributions to the field of motion pictures. His first film, a short fiction drama, called the THE FULL 10 YARDS, shot in 6 hours and edited in 9, went on to win best short the following year. The 4 minute film screened no less than 32 times in cinemas and festivals over a period from 2004 to 2007. The film was noted was it's controversial narrative about an angry Scottish football scout.

Shehzad followed that short film with a documentary entitled, BO KATA. The 26 minute documentary was shot in Lahore, Pakistan, 2004, and looked at the kite duellists and the industry surrounding the mysterious art/sport. BO KATA was selected for numerous film festivals both in the UK and internationally, gaining critical acclaim for simple honest depiction of the kite flyers of Lahore, and the impending ban facing that industry. BO KATA premiered at Dundee Contemporary Arts Cinema in February 2007 to a packed out audience. BO KATA went on the screen at other cinemas in Scotland and in the UK. It was also selected for nomination for Best Film 2007 for the Satyajit Ray Film Foundation Award by the British Council/British Film Institute and the Satyajit Rat Film Foundation, and the awards presentation took place at BAFTA London.

During 2007, Shehzad Afzal went on to undertake further study film at Screen Academy Scotland (now known as Edinburgh Skillset Screen and Media Academy), Edinburgh. During his time there, Shehzad Afzal produced 2 short films, DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE and VANILLE. Both films went on to screen at Cannes (2008/2009), and screen at international film festivals worldwide. Shehzad Afzal was awarded with a Master of Arts with Distinction in November 2009.

In 2009, Shehzad Afzalwas selected as one of the 25 EIFF and Skillset Trailblazers of British Cinema, and received his award from Sir Sean Connery at the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2009.

Shehzad Afzal was awarded the Abbey Santander Award for Outstanding Contribution to Film and Media in 2010, and received his award from Edinburgh Napier University at a special awards ceremony.

In April 2010, Shehzad Afzal wrote/directed/produced his debut feature film, PENDULUM DRIFT, which is currently in post-production, due for festival release in 2011.

Shehzad Afzal was selected for the Engage programme run by Edinburgh Skillset Screen and Media Academy, Scotland, 2010. A programme which selects 24 of the most promising film practioners from all over Europe to participate and collaborate on feature film lenght projects. A programme which takes the selected participants to Ireland, Scotland, Estonia and Finland over the 6 month programme.